Everything You Need to Know About Fiesta Medal Culture

Everything You Need to Know About Fiesta Medal Culture

Are you unfamiliar with fiesta medals or want to learn more about them? Here’s everything you need to know about fiesta medal culture.

Have you ever been to San Antonio?

This bustling city lies in the southern region of Texas. Its rich history and large population (over a million residents) makes it a prime travel destination.

The Fiesta is a local tradition that has grown into one of the nation’s largest celebrations.

In this post, we’ll reveal the fascinating history of the fiesta medal culture.

The Parade

Fiesta San Antonio is a historic event that takes place yearly in San Antonio, Texas. Started in 1891 by a group of women looking to honor the heroes of the Alamo, the celebration grew into a festival filled with fiesta medals, floats, and millions of revelers.

Only New Orleans Mardi Gras rivals the popularity of Fiesta. The Battle of the Flowers is one of the premier events.

A special group, known as the Battle of the Flowers Association, selects local high schools to build nine floats for the parade. Over 300,000 spectators gather to watch the procession.

Origin of the Fiesta Medal

Die-hard Fiesta San Antonio fans have another event to look forward to.

The tradition began in 1946 when the reigning King Antonio distributed coins to the local children. King Antonio is a figure elected by the Texas Cavaliers to represent the organization during the parade.

Soon after, coin-tossing became a tradition and children decorated their coin-purses and tied them around their necks during the march. The tradition grew in 1971 thanks to a man named Charles G. Orsinger.

Orsinger was a prominent member of the San Antonio community, known for his military service and Buick dealership. During his reign as King Antonio, he collected coins from the children and punched holes in the middle. This led to the creation of the Fiesta medal.

Since then, the tradition built momentum, and medal collecting hit its peak in the 1990s.

Evolution

Before Orsinger, fiesta medals were distributed amongst Fiesta royalty. Sterling C. Burke received the King’s medal in 1927. Orsinger was the first court member to distribute medals to the crowd.

Festival organizers invented Pin Pandemonium for medal collectors. All the action happens on opening night when enthusiastic medal collectors gather at the Alamo to sell and trade medals.

Fiesta medals have evolved from coins. Today they are emblems and figures attached to colorful ribbons.

Medals can be made to look like any character your heart desires. We’ve seen horses, rainbows, or the face of your favorite cartoon characters.

Larger companies and organizations commission specialty medals to be made. Participating companies don’t have to be local. National and international businesses are welcome at the event.

Companies purchase a booth and a permit which allows them to sell their medals at Pin Pandemonium. Organizers suggest companies buy at least 100 medals to distribute at the Fiesta.

Medals go fast, and you don’t want to have an empty table at Pin Pandemonium.

Purchasing Fiesta Medals

If you’re new to Fiesta San Antonio, we wanted to give you a quick overview of the festival’s history and unique events.

Medals are a key part of the celebration, and Fiestamedal.net is your go-to store. We work with top artists from all over the country to create the most beautiful designs for your company.